Canandaigua Academy to host Special Olympics

Thursday

The Canandaigua school district will host a Special Olympics for students with disabilities on Friday, May 30, at Canandaigua Academy on East Street.

The parade of athletes will begin at 9:30 a.m., led by the Academy Color Guard and Marching Band circling the track behind the Academy.

“We’re really excited about being the host this year,” said Superintendent Don Raw. “It is a special opportunity for our special athletes and our faculty and staff.”

Students at Friday’s event compete in track and field events for their schools rather than as individuals, explained Jim Simmons, Academy athletic director and Special Olympics co-chairman.

An invitation went out to all the school districts within Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES, resulting in 250 athletes from 22 school districts signing up to participate. Students will complete in wheelchair races; 100-meter walk; team relay races; 50-, 100-, 200- and 1,500-meter runs; long jump; high jump and softball toss — much like shot put.

When it came to signing up volunteers to run the Special Olympics, organizers got a tremendous response from the Academy and the community. More than 300 students volunteered to be paired with competitors, ushering them to their events on time and providing companionship for the day. Other volunteers came from the retired teachers organization, local church groups, City Council, and local residents.

“I’ve never had the problem before of having too many volunteers,” said Raw.

After the parade of athletes, choral director Amy Story will lead a combined Academy vocal ensemble singing the national anthem. Mary Jane Cooper will have the honor of bearing the Olympic torch during the opening ceremony torch run.

Mayor Ellen Polimeni is expected to give a special proclamation. Raw and school board president Tarry Shipley will give opening remarks, and Academy athletes Allyson Dorn and Oksana Kahl will announce the start of events.

Concessions will be run by student government. Games will be offered, along with golf and soccer, and local professional athletes from the Rochester Raging Rhinos and the Rochester Red Wings will attend.